Winnipeg radio host Dave Wheeler suspended over controversial songs

Dave Wheeler, the host of 92 CITI FM's Wheeler in the Morning, has been suspended after two controversial YouTube videos sparked online fury on Monday.

The radio station posted animated versions of the songs Transcona Girls and North End Boy on their social media accounts. The songs were created two years ago, but reposted as animated videos on Monday.

Critics used Facebook to organize a protest outside the station's building for Tuesday afternoon, saying the videos are derogatory, racist and sexist.

The songs include lines about women and girls from Transcona being "passed around this great big town and they just don't seem to care." Another lyric suggests women who live in Wolseley are lesbians.

Girls and women living in the North End "really like to stab you and steal your bike," the song says.

On Tuesday, Wheeler's co-host announced he had been suspended from the show and read an apology from him on air.

Wheeler also apologized on Facebook and Twitter, saying they went too far in trying to entertain their audience.

"I want to apologize to our loyal viewers, listeners, and the city of Winnipeg for the two videos that were posted on our site yesterday. They were insensitive and went too far," Wheeler said on Facebook. "We love the city. We live and work here like all of you. We never meant to offend the great people of Winnipeg, and for that, I am truly sorry."

A protest is still planned to go ahead at 1 p.m. CT outside the 92 CITI FM radio station on Osborne Street.